Is there a direct flight?

Yes, there are direct flights from Albany (ALB) to Chicago (ORD/MDW).

What is the best way to get around?

The CTA train and bus system is excellent and covers most of the city.

Yes, the I-90 route involves several toll sections across multiple states.

Fort Edward

Chicago

Train Driving

Fort Edward to Chicago

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Fort Edward to Chicago spans approximately 850 miles. By car, you will follow I-90 West through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana before entering Illinois. This is a long-haul drive that typically takes 14 to 15 hours of pure driving time. Alternatively, you can take the Amtrak Adirondack to Albany and transfer to the Lake Shore Limited, which provides a direct, albeit long, rail connection to Chicago's Union Station. Flying from Albany International Airport (ALB) is the most time-efficient method.

Total Distance: 1,370 km driving distance; 1,150 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from Albany (ALB) to Chicago (ORD) is the fastest, taking roughly 5 hours total including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper than flying, especially if you share costs with another traveler.

Compare Fort Edward to Chicago Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	18 hours	14 hours
Avg Price	$150 - $400	$160 - $220 in fuel
Operator	Amtrak	Personal Vehicle
Route	Fort Edward to Albany-Rensselaer, then Lake Shore Limited to Chicago Union Station.	I-90 West through NY, PA, OH, IN, and IL.
Tip	Book a roomette if you want to sleep comfortably during the overnight portion of the trip.	Plan for an overnight stop in Cleveland or Toledo to avoid driver fatigue.

Travel Tips

Train Comfort
Bring a neck pillow and noise-canceling headphones for the long train ride.
Chicago Traffic
Avoid the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) during morning and evening rush hours.
Public Transit
Use the CTA 'L' train system; it is the most efficient way to navigate the city.
Dining
Try deep-dish pizza at a local institution like Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.
Booking
Book your Amtrak tickets well in advance as prices rise significantly closer to the departure date.

Safety Tips

Urban Safety
Stick to well-populated areas in the Loop and River North districts at night.
Driving Safety
Be prepared for high-speed traffic and aggressive merging on the Chicago expressways.
Personal Security
Keep your wallet and phone in front pockets when using crowded public transit.
Weather
Check for severe weather alerts, as Chicago is prone to sudden wind and storm changes.